On the Edge: Species Facing Extinction

The decline of the northern white rhino is primarily attributed to two factors: poaching and habitat loss, both caused by humans. The poaching crisis of the 1970s and 80s was fuelled by demand for rhino horns in traditional Chinese medicine in Asia and dagger handles in Yemen, wiping out the northern white rhino populations in Uganda, the Central African Republic, Sudan and Chad. By the 1980s, their numbers had drastically dropped, and despite conservation efforts, poaching continued to push them to the brink of extinction. Meanwhile, human encroachment on the rhino’s natural habitat in Central and East Africa further contributed to their demise. Agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and the illegal wildlife trade, left the northern white rhino with nowhere to roam, further straining their already dwindling population.

Rhino gestation lasts up to 18 months, and calves are born without a horn. White rhino calves begin to graze at around two months old, but they remain close to their mother for protection until at least two years old. White rhinos are also very vocal animals, producing a wide range of sounds, including loud chirps, gasps, puffings, snarls, and squeaks of distress. Males grunt and bellow at rivals, adding to their vocal repertoire.

In December 2009, with support from Fauna & Flora, the last four breeding individuals (two males and two females) were flown from Dvůr Králové Zoo in the Czech Republic to Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy in a final attempt to save the subspecies. It was hoped that a more natural environment would stimulate them to breed. Despite several matings, no northern white rhino calves were born. By 2013, one of the males had died of a heart attack, leaving only Sudan and two females, Fatu and Najin. Sudan’s advanced age (45) eventually rendered natural reproduction impossible, and his widely publicized death in 2018 marked the end of the northern white rhino’s reproductive potential.

The remaining females, Fatu and Najin, have been subjects of ongoing reproductive research. Scientists have turned to advanced reproductive technologies, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), to create viable embryos using eggs harvested from Fatu and Najin and stored sperm from deceased northern white rhino males. These embryos are intended to be implanted into southern white rhino surrogates, a closely related species. Scientists have already successfully created several embryos, marking a significant milestone in the fight to save the subspecies. However, the journey remains long and uncertain.

The future is uncertain and a constant battle with time, but there is an encouraging precedent. A century ago, the southern white rhino—the closest relative of the northern white—was on the brink of extinction, with fewer than 20 individuals remaining. Thanks to conservation efforts, their population has recovered to approximately 16,000. This success offers hope, but the road to restoring the northern white rhino will require considerable effort and collaboration.

The genetic and demographic viability of new wild rhino populations depends on there being a minimum of 20 diverse founder animals. Conservationists argue that saving the northern white rhino is not just about preserving one species, but also about correcting the damage humans have inflicted on the natural world. It highlights the urgent need for humanity to address its impact on ecosystems and take responsibility for the survival of the planet’s remaining wildlife.